4.6 Beginners Guide to Homemade Falafel

 Beginners Guide to Homemade Falafel

One of my favorite meals I have prepared was a Mediterranean inspired meal for my fiance’s birthday several years back. I had decided to make this meal as a surprise since it was one of the first meals we had when we started dating. I had no experience making falafel, but I gathered all the ingredients and a good recipe to create the perfect meal for a fun picnic outside. This falafel recipe is now a staple in our meals, as do I hope it will become in yours! 

To make this delicious meal you will need: 

• 2 cups canned chickpeas
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves 
• ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves 
• ½ cup fresh dill 
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 7 - 8 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tbsp ground pepper 
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin 
• 1 Tbsp ground coriander 
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Canola Oil for Frying

Directions: 

1. Soak chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl of water. Soak overnight for 18 hours. Drain and pat dry. 
2. Add chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic, and spices to the food processor and pulse about 40 seconds at a time till combined. 
3. Transfer the mixture to a container and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for at least an hour until ready to cook.
4. Before frying, combine baking powder and sesame seeds to falafel mixture.
5. Form balls from tablespoonfuls of falafel mixture. ½ inch in thickness. (use wet hands to form the balls.) 
6. Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of canola oil. Heat on medium-high until it bubbles softly. 
7. Carefully drop falafel balls in batches into the oil. Let fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until crispy and medium brown. 
8. Place fried falafel balls on a plate lined with a paper towel to remove excess oil. 
9. Serve hot or let cool to refrigerate. Enjoy!

Enjoy your tasty meal with these recommendations: 

• Pita bread
• Hummus 
• Cucumbers 
• Onions
• Tahini sauce